Game-belt.



Patented Sept. I9, [899. L. C. HOFFMAN.

GAME BELT.

QApplication filed. Feb. 25, 1899.)

(No Model.)

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, attovwzqr Ihrrran STATES-K, RATENQE LESTER C. HOFFMAN, OF BUNKER HILL, \VEST VIRGINIA.

GAME-BELT.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 633,550, dated September 19, 1899.

Application filed February 25,1899. Serial No. 706,882. (No model.) i

To (all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LESTER C. HoFFMAN,ia citizen of the United States, and a resident of Bunker Hill, Berkeley county, State of lVest Virginia, have invented certain new and use;

ful Improvementsin Game-Belts; and my preferred manner of carrying out the invention is set forth in the following full, clear, and exact description, terminating with claims particularly specifying the novelty.

This invention relates to accoutrements, and more especially to the class of game-belts thereunder; and theobject of the same is to efliect certain improvements in devices of this character.

To this end the invention consists, essentially, in two main parts a support and a guard each comprising specific details of. construction and advantage, all as hereinafter more fully described and claimed,and as illustrated in the accompanying dra'wings, where- Figure l is a general view of a huntsman equipped with one of my improved belts, showing the latter as supporting a bird in dotted lines. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detailed View in 4 section through the support proper.

Referring to the said drawings, (in the views of which the same reference-letters refer to similar parts throughout,) S are straps which, whenever applied, may be lengthened or shortened by buckles, as shown, and for which nothingnewisclaimed. Onestra-pisintended to pass over the huntsmans shoulder, as shown in Fig. 1, and its extremities are attached to a ba-rB, standingsubstantially horizontal and resting,'preferably,against one hip. In the lower edge of this bar is secured a spring-tongue 1, whose outer end is adapted to engage a hook II, and on the sharp point of this tongue can be impaled the rear legs of rabbits and such othersimilar game as may be secured, all as described below. In the outer face of the bar B is a wire loop 7, extending outward and downward slightly, as shown, and upon this loop are located several links L, each having an elongated body with an enlarged upper end E, above which is a reduced eye I, embracing the loop I. Inlength the several links preferably vary slightly, and their use is fully set forth below. So much for the support.

In connection with the above I preferably The latter consists of a leather, canvas, or other guard-body G of a proper width to surround the outer portion of one leg and of a length sufficient to extend from the hip downward farcnough to prevent blood and the like from soiling the huntsmans garments. Inthe upper end of this guard is a transverse opening 0 (or, it may be, two openings) to receive the strap ends by which the bar B is supported, asseen, and by which means the guard is also supported in proper position. Near its lower end another strap S (also preferably having a buckle) is laced through the guard and carried around the leg, and at about the center of its vertical length is located a strap S, which stands out from the body of the guard and forms a looped support for the game, as illustrated.

All parts are of the desired sizes, shapes, proportions, and materials, and such changes in and additions thereto may be made as properly come within the scope of my invention. In use the guard is placed in position and strapped there, as shown, the strap passed over the opposite shoulder with its extremities led through the opening in the upper end of the guard, the bar attached to such extremities, and the device is easily and handily carried by the huntsinan. He their bags what game he can. If it be fowls, the head of each bird is passed through the enlarged upper end E of one of the'links'L and moved downward therein, so that the neck passes into the smaller lower end thereof, as illustrated in dotted lines herein, and of course the number of links is sufficient for all intents and purposes. The shortest link is preferably used first, then the next longer,and so on, and in this manner the link last used will not interfere with the use of the one next it as the next fowl is bagged. If it be animalssueh as rabbits, squirrels, and the likethe tip of the tongue T is disengaged from the hook and its pointed end passed, preferably, through one rear leg between the bone and muscle, then reengaged with the hook, and thereafter the animal hangs from this tongue, as will be understood, the outward inclination of the loop IV holding the fowls away from the body, so as to give room for the other game. All game can be obviously disengaged by reversal of the movements described, and if this improved game-belt is worn on theleft hip and leg, as herein shown, it will not interfere to any appreciable degree with the huntsmans free movements, as in loading his fowling-piece or aiming, discharging, or carrying the same. On the contrary, it provides such an easy and readilyaccessible means for supporting and carrying what game he bags that it will be a convenience rather than otherwise.

Although not herein so illustrated, it will be clear that this belt might be employed for carrying many other things such, for instance, as fish. There is also no objection to wearing two of the devices, one on each hip, provided the hunting-field is well stocked or the huntsmans aim especially good.

That is claimed as new is'- 1. In a game-belt, the combination with a bar standing over one hipv and means for carrying one class of game beneath the bar; of a rigid loop extending outward some distance from said bar, and a series of links of variable length, each comprising an eye at its upper end embracing the loop, an enlarged portion next below, and a slotted body at its lower end, all as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a game-belt, the combination with a shoulder-strap, a bar supported thereby over one hip, and a guard attached to the leg beneath said bar; of a hook beneath the bar, a tongue also beneath the bar normally engaging the hook, a rigid loop extending outward from the bar, and a series of links carried by the loop, as and for the purpose set forth.

3. In a game-belt, the combination with a bar supported over one hip and having means for carrying game; of a guard consisting of a flexible sheet covering the outer side of the leg, straps for securing it thereto, and a strap carried by the guard and standing remote therefrom for holding in position the game carried by such means, all as and for the purpose set forth.

4;. In a game-belt, the combination with a bar standing over one hip, and shoulderstraps for supporting the same; of a guard having an openingnear its upper end through which said straps pass, devices carried by.

the bar for supporting the game, and a loose strap on the guard for preventing the swinging of the game when held by the whole, all as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my signature this 11th day of February, A. D. 1899.

LESTER C. HOFFMAN. 

